Booted survivor’ McKanas from Saugus looks ahead

Friday

May 9, 2014 at 8:00 AM

By Martha Shanahanmshanahan@wickedlocal.com

In reality, Saugus native LJ McKanas ended his nine-episode run on the CBS television show "Survivor" months ago.But McKanas’ final show didn’t air until mid-April, as his fans in Saugus and "Survivor" junkies around the world watched a one-time ally on the island named Tony turn on him and help vote him off the island.Now LJ is back at home in Florida, a world away from the island in the Philippines where he spent a month battling it out for the $1 million grand prize. The Advertiser caught up with him recently for a Q&A.Are you glad you can finally reveal the secret of how the show turned out for you?Of course not — had I made it to the finals I'd be ecstatic. But unfortunately as the game unfolded, we sadly learn I will be a jury member.Your grandmother, who lived in Saugus, had been rooting for you but was randomly entered in a pool at her senior center and drew one of the other contestants. Is she still in the running to win? Must be bittersweet.Yeah they had a fun pool, but she was out early. It just gave all her attention to me early on.You were kicked off after one of the other contestants, Tony, turned your tribe against you — any hard feelings toward him?Since early on in life, I was taught and guided by my dad to be an honorable man at any cost. I stuck to my values and it cost me $1 million. I have no hard feelings or regrets towards him — it's a game, and he did what he thought he had to do to move forward. We'll see how he fares.Are you still in contact with anyone from the show?Yes. They are all family now.How realistic is the show in depicting what really happened on the island? Did you really feel like you were struggling to 'survive?'The unfortunate thing of the show is that this very question exists. I felt the same going in, but it's the real deal. There are no hidden treats, no ice-cold beverages, no umbrellas, toilet paper or comfort whatsoever. It's a struggle. But we understand we are all in it together and get through it! I tell all that ask, ‘What would it take for you to lose 26 pounds in less than a month?’Is this going to lead to a career in show business? Or are you just going to stick with training horses?I will continue to be me. I've never strayed from that and never will — if that means people want to follow me around with cameras while I'm being myself then maybe showbiz is in the future. Until then, I love working with the horses and will stay on that path.Do you think you would have done anything differently to win if you could do it again?Well hindsight is simple. That's why so many people talk out of their butts. The easy answer is getting rid of Tony, but one cannot account for someone like that. So I can't say I'd play any differently.